Forfar Athletic v Stranraer

History will again be made at Station Park on Saturday when the ‘Loons’ play their first league fixture on their new 3G surface with Stranraer welcome visitors. Keith Knox’s men lost out in the play off final to Albion Rovers in May, but with Airdrie United elevated to the First Division in early July to replace Premier League bound Dundee, the Stair Park men also made a move ‘up the league ladder.’

On the back of cup tie defeats to Partick Thistle and Arbroath and also a first day league reverse at Palmerston, Dick Campbell is delighted to report that long term injury victim Jamie Bishop apart, he has a full pool to choose from.   Ian Campbell’s red card for two bookings at Gayfield on Tuesday sees him incur a one match ban which is only served in Challenge Cup ties.

Although in different leagues last term the paths of the two clubs did cross in the third round of the Scottish Cup.   Down at Stair Park the home side netted a late equaliser to share the spoils in a 1-1 draw, but Forfar ran out comfortable winners in a replay that both teams knew by then that victory would set up a lucrative home fourth round clash with the ‘Dons.’

With the weather forecast for a sunny afternoon, hopefully a reasonable crowd by today’s standard will make the effort to come along to Station Park tomorrow, especially with both Dundee senior side’s inactive on the day.

The match which is sponsored by Milnbank Developments will be refereed by second season Grade One whistler from Ayrshire Greg Aitken who will be ‘treading the Station Park boards’ for the first time.